Senate expresses condolences for former senator, praises his support for Tinubu

The Senate on Wednesday sent condolences to the family of former Senator Anthony Adeniyi. He represented Ekiti South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015.

Mr Adeniyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), passed away on 24 June at the age of 75.

Before his death, he was the Ekiti State chairman of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA). This group helped to gather support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.

President Tinubu reached out to the family through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, also expressed his sadness over the passing of the former senator.

During Wednesday’s plenary, the Senate discussed a motion about Mr Adeniyi’s death. The motion was moved by Yemi Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South Senatorial District.

Mr Adaramodu, who is also the Senate spokesperson, called the late senator a respected lawyer and politician. He said Mr Adeniyi's commitment to public service and integrity earned him great respect.

He praised Mr Adeniyi’s work in leading SWAGA in Ekiti State. He noted that Adeniyi’s efforts played a big part in the mobilization for Mr Tinubu’s presidency in 2023.

Mr Adaramodu added that the late senator loved democracy. He was active in politics and served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market.

He urged the Senate to honor Mr Adeniyi for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and his role in bringing President Tinubu to power.

The motion got strong support from other senators.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, remembered the late lawmaker as a dedicated legislator. He said Mr Adeniyi made important contributions during his time in the Senate.

Mr Abaribe shared a fond memory of Mr Adeniyi’s humor. He said colleagues called him a “herbalist” because he joked about turning anyone who disturbed him into a bird.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, described the deceased as an active lawmaker. He highlighted his contributions to the Constitution Review Committee and prayed for the late senator’s soul to rest in peace.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, praised Mr Adeniyi for his efforts in coordinating SWAGA in Ekiti State. This was in support of Mr Tinubu’s presidential campaign.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, called the late senator a committed legislator. He recognized Adeniyi's contributions to Tinubu’s political success both before and after he became president.

Mr Akpabio asked all senators to observe a minute of silence in honor of the deceased. He also set up a Senate delegation to visit Mr Adeniyi’s family.

The delegation will be led by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele. Other members include Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South).

The Senate president told the delegation to report back after the condolence visit.